Thursday 3 April 2008

"The perfect setting for the innovative David Murray is the octet that he leads on an irregular basis. This spirited set has tributes to Ben Webster and Lester Young but is at its best when the full ensemble (trumpeters Hugh Ragin and Rasul Siddik, trombonist Craig Harris, altoist James Spaulding, pianist Dave Burrell, bassist Wilber Morris and drummer Ralph Peterson, Jr., along with the leader on tenor and bass clarinet) get to improvise together. This is one of their strongest all-round recordings with "Hope Scope" being a particular highpoint". AMG

"Hope Scope is a fiery recording from 1987, full of boisterous yet controlled energy. Along with his work with the World Saxophone Quartet, David Murray is most well known for his work with his Octet and big band. Hope Scope contains the entirety of jazz history within the parameters of Murray's compositions, and there are touches of Jelly Roll Morton in tandem with Duke Ellington and Charles Mingus, as well as a hefty dose of group improvisation.Hope Scope continues the hard-bop sound as exemplified by Live at Sweet Basil Vol. 1 and Murray's Steps, and peppers it with touches of lyrical melody. The year Hope Scope was released also saw the release of New Life, and The Healers, his duo record with Randy Weston. Unlike other artists who might have suffered burnout from producing so much in a short period of time, Murray seems to thrive in states of hyperactivity. The pleasure and privilege is the listener's". Tonwsend Records Review

6 comments:

now it's my time to thank YOU - i have some of murray's earlier octet recordings for black saint, and together with jack dejohnette's early special edition groups this was my entrance into the freer world of jazz - free bop was a term circulating at some time...

the line-up is a different one here - butch morris, henry threadgill, george lewis, bobby bradford, olu dara and others were responsible for the tight octet sound i could die for... wilber morris being the only one from the old bunch... i'm looking forward to explore new aspects of murray thanks to you.

I was so hooked on this some centuries ago! This and Rollins' East Broadway were my very first incursions into Jazz. Rollins will come up here sooner or later. In the meantime, glad you liked this.Salut!

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